Nepal’s ex-crown prince Paras flew out of Kathmandu to Singapore this week amid speculation he planned to quit the nation for good following the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy.

He boarded a Singapore-based Silk Air flight to the city-state, a senior airport security official told AFP, after initial reports said he had taken a flight to Bangkok. When asked by journalists as he entered Kathmandu airport if he planned to return, Paras smiled and made no comment.

reported Monday that Paras was leaving for Singapore, adding he "has called for his wife and children to join him after two weeks."

On Tuesday, The Himalayan Times said the ex-prince was headed to Singapore to find a school and home for his three children and wife, but that he would not be living there himself.

It said 36-year-old Paras, with a reputation for fast living, was concerned for the safety of his family following the end of the 240-year-old monarchy in the Himalayan nation and the withdrawal of all royal privileges.